The Encourager – April 15, 2022 – Maundy Thursday Meditation

It’s 3:27 AM and I can’t fall asleep. A thought occurs: I doubt that Jesus got any sleep on that fateful Maundy Thursday night so long ago.

We went to the Maundy Thursday communion service at church this evening. It’s always a special time to remember the last Passover meal that Jesus shared with His disciples. “Maundy” refers to a command or mandate. The Lord said, “A new commandment I give you, love one another as I have loved you.” He gave the command and then He fleshed it out. By washing His followers’ feet, He showed them what love does: it serves. By eating and drinking with them, He showed them what love does: it shares. By speaking words of comfort, He showed them what love does: it encourages.

The next day, He was crucified. By laying down His life for His friends, He showed them what love does: it sacrifices. The Lord of Glory was cursed, hanging on a tree, suffering unimaginable pain for our sins. God had given His Son to be the Passover lamb. In ancient Egypt, the lamb’s blood marked the homes of the Jews who trusted in God, saving them from the angel of death. By Christ’s blood, all who trust in Him are saved. How can this be? I struggle to comprehend this miracle.

A few days ago, I totally messed up. I was already tired and out of sorts when my dear husband stumbled upon a sensitive issue of mine, and I went into major attack mode. As an ENTJ, this comes naturally, but that’s no excuse for a Christian. While trying to explain my own weakness, I ended up criticizing his area of weakness in the most cruel way. My feeling defensive may have been understandable, but what I did was offensive. I know I hurt the person I love the most in this world.

Of course I apologized, and of course he said, “it’s okay,” but I know it’s not. When we love someone, especially in the close intense relationship of marriage, we put our heart in their hands. What I did was a horrible violation of that trust. I dishonored my husband and Christ. How I wish I could take back those words.

Oh Lord, pass over my sin! Pass over my sin that is worthy of death, and spare me from Your all-consuming righteous wrath!

Have you ever felt like this? All week I’ve been contemplating my failure, yet singing the songs of communion and joy. But this is what Holy Week is all about. My sin is too great to be forgiven by a holy God, yet that is exactly what He did! Apart from Christ I can do nothing. I have absolutely no hope of forgiveness in and of myself. I have no hope of love, no hope of a meaningful, fruitful life in any sense without Christ. Yet in His great mercy, He reached down and touched my heart with rich, abundant, overflowing grace. By His wounds, I am healed. By granting forgiveness, He showed what love does: it forgives. “My glory and the lifter of my head” is worthy of all praise! Thanks be to God! Crown Him with many crowns!

Wishing you a Blessed Easter.
God is faithful,
j

As usual, I welcome your comments below.